May 9, 2008

Meet our future deacons

Wayne DavisWayne Davis

  • Age: 63
  • Spouse: Darlene
  • Home Parish: St. Michael Parish in Greenfield
  • Occupation: Retired Attorney

Who are the important role models in your life of faith?

My father, Odie T. Davis, now deceased, was a Baptist minister who modeled for me the importance of charity and Christian leadership. I was also influenced by Father Albert Lauer, now deceased, who was a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and founder of Our Lady of Presentation Communities and Ministries—commonly known as Presentation Ministries, a canonical lay association. He was the publisher and author of One Bread, One Body, a daily devotional booklet on the readings for Mass.

What are your favorite Scripture verses, prayers and devotions?

My favorite Scripture verses include John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” I also like James 2:17: “So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” My favorite prayers and devotions include the rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, eucharistic adoration and the Prayer of St. Francis.

Why do you feel that God is calling you to become a deacon?

I first began to sense that I may have a call to the permanent diaconate when I started leading various small faith-sharing groups and communities, engaging in Bible studies and serving on Christ Renews His Parish teams. The sense of fulfillment that I experienced in ministering to others and in assisting them to encounter Christ and his Church caused me to think that God may be calling me to some formal ministerial role.

How will being ordained a deacon have an impact on your life and family?

I anticipate that it will open up new avenues for my wife and me as a couple. We have taught Bible studies together for several years, and I think we will be able to work together in many areas of my ministry of the word and charity in ways not previously available to us. We will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary a few weeks after my ordination, and I believe that God may call us to share our sacramental married life with others who are preparing for or living out this sacrament. †

 

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